Expose on the Ice (Sparks on the Ice #1)

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

LILY

" H oly shit," I breathe, unable to keep the awe from my voice. "This is… incredible."

As I step further into Carter’s apartment, my jaw nearly hits the floor. The place is stunning, a sleek and modern oasis high above the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking panoramic view of Omaha’s skyline, the lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky.

Carter shrugs, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features. "It’s just a place to crash."

I wander further into the living room, my eyes drinking in every detail. The furniture is all clean lines and neutral tones, looking more like it belongs in an upscale catalog than someone’s home. A massive flat-screen TV dominates one wall, while a state-of-the-art sound system is nestled discreetly in the corners.

"Just a place to crash?" I echo, running my hand along the back of a buttery-soft leather couch. "This place costs more than I’ll make in a decade."

He shrugs. He rubs the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable. "It’s just an apartment, Lil…"

I raise an eyebrow, glancing around the pristine space. Everything is so perfect, so untouched. It hits me then – this place doesn’t feel lived in at all. It’s more like a high-end hotel suite than a home. There are few personal effects, and little indication anyone spends much time here.

"Carter," I say slowly, a suspicion forming in my mind, "has anyone else ever been up here? Besides you, I mean."

He meets my gaze, a flicker of vulnerability passing through his eyes before he looks away. "No," he admits quietly. "You’re the first."

The weight of that statement hangs in the air between us. I feel a twinge of sadness for the lonely life he has been leading, refusing to connect with anyone and brushing off anyone who tried to connect with him, all to protect one big secret.

"But why? This place is wonderful. Why keep it all to yourself?" I scoff. "And where do you take all your ladies of the night?"

"Hotel room, car, their place…" He moves to stand beside me at the window. "It’s easier. No expectations. No complications. No risk."

I turn to face him, struck by the loneliness in his words. "That sounds… lonely."

He shrugs again, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. "It’s what works for me. Or… it did."

Our eyes meet in the glass’s reflection, and I feel that familiar pull between us. The air seems to crackle with unspoken possibilities. We’d agreed to take things slow back at my apartment, and had an amazing few days since, but it feels like something has changed.

"And now?" I ask, my heart racing.

"Now…" He pauses, a long second. "I’m not so sure anymore."

I sigh. "What are we going to do, Carter? The story? My job?"

He shrugs. "Worry about it tomorrow."

Carter’s apartment, once so impersonal and cold, now feels warm and alive with possibility. As I look into his eyes, I see not just the guarded hockey star or the man haunted by his past, but someone who is allowing himself to be truly seen – perhaps for the first time.

"And tonight?" I say, breathless.

"That’s for us."

I step closer to Carter, drawn by an invisible force. Our eyes lock, and at that moment, all the tension, frustration, and longing of the past weeks crystallize into a single, electric instant. Without a word, we come together in a passionate kiss.

I melt into his embrace, my body molding against his as if we are two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together. All the pent-up emotions I’d been holding back come rushing to the surface – the hurt, the confusion, the undeniable attraction.

"Damn, I don't have a condom," Carter mutters against my lips.

"You're a pro hockey player and you don't have a condom? How many little Carters are out there?" I tease, nipping at his lower lip.

"Uhh..."

"Good thing I'm on the pill," I whisper, pulling him back into another deep kiss.

We kiss with a hunger that shocks me. Carter’s arms encircle me, pulling me even closer. I can feel the heat of his body through his shirt, the rapid beating of his heart echoing my own. My hands find their way to his back, tracing the contours of his muscles, memorizing every plane and curve.

His fingers tangle in my hair, gently cradling the back of my head as he deepens the kiss. I sigh into his mouth, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. It feels like coming home and stepping off a cliff all at once – safe and terrifying, comfortable and exhilarating.

I gasp as Carter breaks the kiss, both of us breathing heavily. His eyes search my face, and I know he can see the desire mirrored there. The world around us fades away until there is nothing but the two of us, lost in this moment.

My heart races, and I can feel the heat radiating from Carter’s body. His hands, still tangled in my hair, send shivers down my spine. I am acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch, every breath we share, and the heavy weight of the moment.

"Lily," Carter whispers, his voice husky with emotion. "Are you sure about this? Once we cross this line…"

I know what he means. Outside this apartment, our worlds are about to implode. The story of Carter’s past is going to break, and my career is hanging by a thread. Everything we’ve built, everything we’ve worked for, is on the brink of falling apart. But right here, right now, it feels like none of that matters.

"Yes," I breathe, my hands gripping his shirt. "I’m sure. I want this. I want you, Carter. More than anything in the entire world. We can figure the rest out later."

I squeal with scandalous joy when he picks me up and carries me across the living room, headed for the bedroom. I can’t resist any longer. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a searing kiss. His steps falter for a moment as he returns the kiss, nearly stumbling into a side table.

"Careful, hotshot," I tease, breaking away. "I’d hate for you to injure yourself before the main event…"

He chuckles, his breath warm against my neck, and suddenly, we’re moving again. Through the door, to the bed. Unlike the living room, I don’t have an opportunity to take in the decor here, but Carter gives me plenty to look at.

Carter and I tumble onto the bed, a tangle of limbs and desire. His weight presses me into the mattress. I run my hands over his broad shoulders, marveling at the strength coiled beneath his shirt, and what it means for the next few hours.

"God, Lily," he breathes against my neck, his stubble scraping deliciously against my sensitive skin. "I’ve wanted this."

I arch into him, savoring the friction between our bodies. "Me too," I admit, my voice husky with need. "Even when I wanted to strangle you."

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me. His lips find mine again, and I lose myself in the kiss. It’s hungry, desperate, filled with all the longing we’ve both been holding back. My fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer as if I could somehow meld us together.

Carter’s hand skims down my side, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. When he reaches the hem of my blouse, he hesitates, his eyes searching mine for permission. I nod, breathless with anticipation. Slowly, reverently, he slides his hand beneath the fabric.

The first touch of his calloused palm against my bare skin sends shivers racing through me. I gasp, arching into his touch. I let my hands wander, tracing the defined muscles of his back through his shirt. When I reach the waistband of his jeans, I tug him closer, grinding my hips against his.

Carter groans, burying his face in my neck. "If you keep that up, this will be over fast…"

I laugh, breathless and giddy. "We can’t have that, can we?"

With a wicked grin, I flip us over, straddling his hips. The new position sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I can’t resist rocking against him, savoring the hardness I can feel even through our clothes.

Carter’s eyes are heavy with desire, his hands resting on my hips as I rock against him, making every nerve in my body hum with anticipation. His need mirrors mine, a raw, unabashed lust that hangs thick in the air, eliciting groans of desire from him.

I relish the power I have over him, knowing just how much I affect this usually guarded man. My hands slide down his chest, pushing his shirt up and over his head. His skin is warm under my fingers, his muscles tensing and flexing with every touch.

I lean down, my lips grazing his collarbone, then trailing down to the defined ridges of his abs. Carter’s breath hitches, a desperate sound escaping his throat as I explore his body. My fingers fumble with the button of his jeans, needing to feel more of him, needing every inch.

"Lift," I command, my voice a mix of breathlessness and authority.

Carter complies without hesitation, raising his hips so I can peel his jeans down and off. The sight of him lying there, naked and exposed, takes my breath away. My eyes travel down his chiseled body to rest on his arousal. I gasp, a thrill of excitement coursing through me.

"That’s… impressive," I manage, a playful smirk on my lips.

Carter gives a low, throaty chuckle. "All your doing…"

My heart pounds as I lean in, pressing my lips to him. Carter’s whole body shudders in response, his fingers threading through my hair.

"Lily…" he says softly.

Before he can reach me, I gently move his hands away. "Not yet."

He groans.

"Tonight, we’re doing this my way," I say.

I slip off him and the bed, standing before him.

Carter’s eyes follow my every move as I start to sway my hips, slow and sensual. I turn, my fingers finding the hem of my shirt, lifting it just enough to tease him without revealing too much.

His gaze darkens. When his fingers twitch to reach for me, I playfully move them away. The power in that moment surges through me, even as I continue to slowly remove my blouse, every movement deliberate and tantalizing.

His eyes are locked onto me as I continue to undress. I run my hands up my torso, each touch a promise of what’s to come, driving Carter wild with anticipation.

I turn around, giving him a full view as I remove the rest of my clothes. Down to just my underwear, I turn back to face him, my hands on my hips, feeling both powerful and vulnerable. I can’t help but smile at him, not quite able to believe what we’re about to do.

Seeing Carter there, every inch of him focused on me, brings a thrill that’s both empowering and intensely exciting. I return to him. As I settle onto his lap, he tries to touch me again, but I gently move his hands away, a teasing smile on my lips. "Not yet," I purr, enjoying his restrained eagerness.

I finish undressing, revealing myself fully to him. Carter watches intently, his breath catching. I arch my back, bringing myself closer. He groans, the desire in his eyes almost overwhelming.

Now we’re both completely exposed to each other. The heat between us is almost unbearable. I position myself over him, feeling his warmth. He gasps at the contact, his hands flexing with the urge to touch me, but he holds back, respecting my lead.

I move against him slowly, building the anticipation. "Do you want me?" I whisper.

"More than anything," he groans.

"Take me," I say, my voice heavy with desire.